Ive been working really hard to switch from hardware to SW. stayed up nights and weekends learning basic CS to more advanced topics. I finally got a SW job transfer within my company and now my right hand is feeling a ton of pain from typing. I’ve rested it for a full week, started typing for less than 30 min and the pain came back completely. It’s got me totally depressed that I can’t do this job because my shitty tendons. I’m getting a new ergo keyboard and mouse but I’m worried after reading lots of horror stories on line about it damaging peoples hand so bad they can’t use it much anymore. Anyone gone through this and successfully cured hand pain from typing? Obligatory: Yoe 5, TC 210K (in HW)
Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard (KB600) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KR1C5PY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3qddDbAGH63WY this helped me a ton
Do you use the MX Brown switches? Are they too loud for the office?
This keyboard saved my career! Browns are quiet enough, in my experience. I can’t recommend this enough - try it!
I can't give any advice, but congrats on making the switch. I heard doing that at Apple is really difficult.
Everyone is different. Don’t worry about the horror stories. It is often posture related. You can work on these muscles to improve. Yes, It can be slow recovery, but you can do it. I was 20% disabled in both arms ( 18 yrs ago) and made total recovery. I was in California and lucky it became a workers comp thing to pay for it. Then last year I didn’t take care of myself and it has shown up again. But, I know what to do and will get back. #1 is ergonomics. The mouse and keyboard, chair height and monitor. #2 your mental state often has a lot to do with it. Manage your stress, meditate, chill out. #3 be healthy and active. Get in Shape. #4 Get Physical therapy. See a doctor to evaluate your situation and make proper recommendations so it stops getting worse and you start to heal. My solution was acupuncture and massage with a great Physical Therapist helping me to get in shape to balance out muscles.
Also I swear by Goldtouch split keyboard and Evoluent vertical mouse is amazing.
Most importantly, see a physical therapist. Two sets of 10 everyday. Wicked exercise for wrist strength. Start low (~5lb) and progress up to 20lbs. Harder than it looks, don't drop it on your head. https://images.app.goo.gl/6gZQzCBqnQ3qsBJn6
It’s mostly about the angle of your wrists. Getting massages may help too. I stopped having problems after I switched to Python (but I think the real reason was my new desk put my wrists at a different angle).
How’s it going now?
Just get an editor with good autocomplete and type with the eraser end of a pencil. Also, avoid Java.